THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Monday, October 27, 2025
(4)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs met this day at 4 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Hassan Yussuff, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Al Zaibak, Anderson, Boniface, Cardozo, Carignan, P.C., Dasko, Ince, Kutcher, White, Youance and Yussuff (11).

Participating in the meeting: Ariel Shapiro and Anne-Marie Therrien-Tremblay, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the committee began its examination of Examine and report on the impacts of Russia’s disinformation on Canada.

WITNESSES:

As individuals:

Justin Ling, Investigative journalist;

Simon Hogue, Professor, World politics of digital technologies, Department of Political Science, Université du Québec à Montréal;

The Honourable Chris Alexander, P.C., Distinguished Fellow, Macdonald-Laurier Institute;

Aengus Bridgman, Director, Media Ecosystem Observatory and Assistant Professor (Research), Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University (by videoconference).

Justin Ling and Simon Hogue each made a statement and answered questions.

At 5 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:10 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Chris Alexander and Aengus Bridgman each made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:11 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:16 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in camera portion of today's meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members or staff, and that the recording be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

It was agreed that the chair be authorized to seek authority from the Senate for an order of reference to examine and report on defence procurement in the context of Canada’s commitment to increase defence spending.

At 6:44 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Ericka Paajanen

Clerk of the Committee